§ 8618 Adopted Child Name Change

Family Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•When a child is adopted, they can take the last name of their new parents.
•This is a choice, not a rule—it doesn’t *have* to happen, but it can.
•The law makes it official so the child’s new name is recognized everywhere.

Example

A 7-year-old named Jamie is adopted by the Smith family.

Jamie can now be called Jamie Smith if the family and the court agree. The law lets this change happen legally, so Jamie’s new name will be on school records, doctor forms, and everything else.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 8618 Adopted Child Name Change

A child adopted pursuant to this part may take the family name of the adoptive parent. (Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.)

Last verified: January 21, 2026

Key Terms

child adopted family name adoptive parent

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Family Code. Section 8618.

Key Takeaways

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Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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